It feels like you just packed up the Halloween decorations. Now the biggest food holiday of the year is already knocking on your front door. Between planning your thanksgiving dinner and figuring out how to squeeze everyone around the table, you might also be thinking about simple thanksgiving crafts for kindergarteners to keep the little ones busy and happy.
There is another big piece of the puzzle to solve amidst the chaos. You need to keep your little ones busy while you handle the thanksgiving turkey. This is where finding easy thanksgiving crafts for kindergarteners becomes a lifesaver for parents everywhere.
You don’t need to be an art teacher to pull this off successfully. You just need a few simple supplies and a little bit of patience. The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece that belongs in a prestigious museum.
The goal is to make special memories and keep small hands occupied. Crafting helps build their fine motor skills effectively too. It also gives them a sense of pride by contributing to the holiday.
We gathered some of the best ideas to help you survive the season. These projects are simple, cute, and perfect for five and six-year-olds. They are fun enough that you might even want to join in.
You can keep the kids entertained while you mash the potatoes. Get ready to explore the best thanksgiving crafts for kindergarteners to try this year.
Table of Contents:
- Setting Up for Success
- Classic Turkey Fun
- Nature Inspired Projects
- Decorating with Corn Crafts
- Learning While Creating
- Must-Have Supplies
- Managing Expectations
- Keeping It Simple
- Focusing on Gratitude
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Setting Up for Success
Before you start with the glue and glitter, take a breath. Crafting with kindergarteners can sometimes equal a big mess in the kitchen. But it doesn’t have to ruin your day or your table.
First, pick a spot where messes are easy to wipe up quickly. The kitchen table is usually the best place for this action. You can also use a plastic folding table if you have one.
Cover the surface with an old tablecloth or some newspaper pages. This makes cleanup super fast later on when you are tired. It protects your furniture from spills and stray marks.
Have some baby wipes or wet paper towels nearby for sticky fingers. Little hands tend to get sticky very quickly with paper glue. It helps to catch the mess before it dries on the furniture.
Organization is your friend here when managing craft supplies. Put different supplies in separate bowls or containers. Muffin tins work great for holding googly eyes and sequins.
This stops fights over who has the orange crayon or the glitter. Every kid feels special having their own little supplies to use. It creates a peaceful environment for creative fun.
If you look online for a free template, you can save time. Just be sure to check the privacy policy of the site before downloading. It is always smart to be safe when visiting new websites.
Some sites also have an accessibility statement which usually means they are user-friendly. Don’t overcomplicate the instructions for the children. Kindergarteners have short attention spans for complex tasks.
Give them one step at a time to follow. Show them what to do first with your own hands. Then let them loose to try it themselves.
Related Reading: Teaching Children Basic Life Skills: A Comprehensive Guide
Classic Turkey Fun
Is it even Thanksgiving without a turkey craft on the table? Probably not, as the bird is iconic. The turkey is the star of the show in November.
Kids love making them because they are colorful and silly. A cute thanksgiving turkey brightens up any room. One of the easiest ways to start is with items you already have.
You probably have empty rolls in your recycling bin right now. These toilet paper roll turkeys are super fun and cute. They stand up on their own, which kids love.
You can use construction paper for the colorful feathers. Cut strips of red, orange, and yellow paper. Let your child glue them onto the back of the roll.
Add a little beak and some wiggle eyes. Suddenly, you have a cute centerpiece for the kid’s table. It is a great opportunity to recycle while having fun.
Another idea is to use tissue paper for a textured look. Have the kids scrunch up small squares of colored tissue. Glue these scrunched balls onto a paper cutout of a turkey body.
This creates a fluffy, 3D effect that looks amazing. It is great for sensory processing as well. The crinkling sound is fun for tiny hands to make.
If you have paper plates, making a fun paper plate turkey is a classic. Paint the plate brown or leave it white. Glue feathers around the rim for a big, bold bird.
These thanksgiving craft ideas are timeless for a reason. They are easy to prep and hard to mess up. Plus, they look adorable displayed on the fridge.
Making It Personal
Handprint crafts are a total favorite for moms and dads. They capture how small your child is right now. You will look back at these in ten years and cry happy tears.
If you like painted crafts, this handprint turkey is another fun one. It does require paint, so roll up those sleeves. It is a cute thanksgiving tradition to start.
Paint the palm of their hand brown for the body. Then paint each finger a different feather color. Press it firmly onto white paper.
Let it dry completely before adding details. You can draw on legs and a wattle with markers later. These handprint turkeys serve as a timestamp of their childhood.
Make sure you date the back of the paper clearly. It is easy to forget which year it was made. You might even frame this one for grandma.
It makes a really sweet gift for family members. You can also cut out handprints from colored paper. Layer them to look like feathers on a larger turkey body.
This method is less messy than using wet paint. It involves tracing, which is good for coordination. Thanksgiving art like this is precious to parents.
Related Reading: How to Build Confidence in Shy Children
Nature Inspired Projects
Sometimes you need to get the kids out of the house. Send them into the backyard to gather supplies. It is a smart way to combine outdoor play with art.
This burns off some energy before crafting time. Have them look for items with interesting textures. Collecting fallen leaves is a wonderful activity in autumn.
Look for different leaf shapes and colors. Maples and oaks provide great variety. You can use these leaves to make a turkey tail.
Glue the leaves onto a piece of paper in a fan shape. Add a paper body in the center. It creates a natural and rustic look.
Rocks are actually perfect for fall crafts too. They are free and easy to find. Painting on a different surface is exciting for kids.
You can check out this idea from Rock Painting 101 for inspiration. It turns a simple stone into a festive friend. Wash the rocks and dry them off first.
Acrylic paint works best to cover the stone color. You can turn them into place settings for dinner. Just write the name of each guest on a rock.
Pinecone turkeys are another adorable nature craft. You can often find pinecones at the park. Use the pinecone as the body of the bird.
Glue colorful feathers or leaves into the back. Add a pom-pom head with googly eyes. These sit nicely on a thanksgiving table runner.
Decorating with Corn Crafts
Turkeys aren’t the only symbol of the season. Corn and harvest themes are beautiful too. They bring warm fall colors into your home.
These crafts teach kids about the harvest aspect of the holiday. You can explain how Native Americans helped early settlers grow corn. It is a nice history lesson wrapped in fun.
You can create textures that look just like Indian corn. This is great sensory play for young children. Make an Indian Corn Wreath with 123 Home School 4 Me using bubble wrap.
The bubble wrap stamping makes cool circle shapes. It looks surprisingly like real corn kernels. Cut a paper plate into a ring to start the wreath.
Cut corn shapes out of cardstock. Let the kids stamp away with fall paint colors. Glue the corn shapes around the wreath ring.
Add a nice ribbon to hang it up. This looks great hanging on a door. It celebrates the season without being too cartoonish.
Another idea is a pumpkin craft using paper strips. Cut orange paper into long strips. Staple them together at the top and bottom to form a sphere.
Add a green stem on top. It makes a cute 3D pumpkin. This thanksgiving decoration looks great on a mantle.
You can also make a pie craft using paper plates. Cut a slice shape from a plate. Glue orange paper on it for the filling.
Glue cotton balls on top for whipped cream. It looks delicious enough to eat. Kids love making pretend food for their play kitchen.
Learning While Creating
Crafts can be educational without feeling like school. You can sneak in some writing practice or gratitude lessons. Kindergarten is a big year for learning social skills.
Use this time to talk about what they are thankful for. You can also discuss the history of the holiday. Crafts involving pilgrim hats are very popular.
You can make paper plate pilgrim hats easily. For a boy’s hat, paint a paper plate black. Cut the center out of another plate to make a brim.
Attach a cylinder made of black paper. It creates a tall stovepipe hat. This plate pilgrim accessory is fun for dress-up.
For a girl’s bonnet, punch holes in a white bowl. Thread ribbon through it to tie under the chin. Fold the brim back slightly.
Making a paper plate pilgrim face is also fun. Use the plate as the face color. Add yarn for hair and cut-out paper for the bonnet or hat.
These hands-on activities bring history to life. It helps them visualize the people from the stories. Younger kids might need help cutting the shapes.
Older kids can help their siblings assemble the parts. It fosters teamwork among siblings. You can find wonderful printable resources online to help.
Many teachers create these specifically for this age group. For example, a “thankful placemat” is a smart project. It keeps them busy right at the dinner table.
You can find many options on sites like this marketplace for resources. Print out a coloring sheet or a writing prompt. Ask your child to draw what makes them happy.
Help them write the words if they are stuck. This sparks sweet conversations about family and friends.
| Craft Activity | Skill Learned |
|---|---|
| Paper Chains | Pattern Recognition |
| Cutting Feathers | Scissor Skills |
| Beading Necklaces | Fine Motor Focus |
| Stamping Art | Hand-Eye Coordination |
Building Fine Motor Skills
Every cut of the scissors helps their hands get stronger. Every dab of glue improves their coordination. Simple tasks like peeling stickers are great practice.
Thanksgiving crafts for kindergarteners are full of these opportunities. Try making paper chains for a countdown. Cut strips of orange and brown paper.
Show them how to loop them together. They have to focus to tape or glue the ends. It builds focus and patience.
Provide them with safe paper scissors. These are designed to cut paper but not skin. Have them practice cutting along a straight line.
Then move to squiggly lines or circles. When you pass the glue scissors and paper around, you are building a toolkit of skills. Developing these muscles helps with handwriting later.
You can hang the chain in the living room. Remove one link each day until Thanksgiving. It helps them understand the concept of time.
It also builds excitement for the big feast. Fun making these chains can take up a whole afternoon. It is a productive way to pass the time.
Must-Have Supplies
You don’t need to spend a fortune at the craft store. A simple supply box is all you need. Keep it stocked with the basics.
This lets you craft whenever the mood strikes. Having fun paper options is always a good idea. Glitter paper or patterned scrapbooking paper adds flair.
Here is a quick checklist of essentials:
- Construction Paper: Get a pack with lots of brown, orange, and red.
- Glue Sticks: Liquid glue is messy; sticks are easier for kindergarteners.
- Safety Scissors: Make sure they are the right size for small hands.
- Crayons and Markers: Washable ones are always the best choice.
- Googly Eyes: These make literally anything look funny and cute.
- Paper Plates: Cheap, sturdy, and perfect for bases.
- Tissue Paper: Great for scrunching and overlaying colors.
Keep these in a special “Turkey Time” box. When you need twenty minutes of peace, pull it out. It is better than putting on another TV show.
Their creative brains will thank you. It makes craft fun accessible at any moment. You won’t have to hunt for scissors in the drawer.
Managing Expectations
We often see perfect photos on social media. We think our kids’ crafts should look like that. Please let go of that idea right now.
A five-year-old’s art is beautiful because it is imperfect. If the eyes are crooked, let them be. If the glue is everywhere, it dries clear.
Don’t fix their work for them. It sends a message that their effort wasn’t good enough. Instead, praise how hard they worked.
Say things like, “I love how you chose that color.” Focus on the process, not the final product. They just want to have fun with you.
The laughter is worth more than a perfect decoration. It’s perfect just the way it is. Embrace the messy glue spots.
Remember to enjoy thanksgiving prep rather than stressing. Put on some holiday music while you work. Spread the holiday cheer throughout the house.
If they make a plate pilgrim hat that looks like a boat, go with it. Their imagination is more important than accuracy. It’s great to see how their minds work.
Displaying Their Work
Find a place to show off their creations. It boosts their confidence immensely. You can tape pictures to the fridge.
You might string a line across a window. Designate the kids’ table as the art zone. Use their crafts as the centerpiece.
Let them tell the guests about what they made. They will beam with pride. This makes the thanksgiving table feel personal and warm.
Take pictures of them holding their crafts. These are the moments you want to keep. It also clears the clutter eventually.
You can keep the photo forever without storing twenty paper plates. Each craft doubles as a memory anchor. You will be glad you documented it.
Keeping It Simple
The holidays are stressful enough. Do not add pressure by choosing hard projects. Look for easy crafts with three steps or less.
If it requires a hot glue gun, skip it. Or do that part yourself ahead of time. Pre-cutting shapes is a huge help.
Cut out feathers or leaves while watching TV at night. Then the kids can just assemble and stick. It makes the activity go smoother.
Short activities are better for this age. Fifteen minutes is a good amount of time. If they want to do more, great.
If they get bored, let them stop. Don’t force creativity. Some days they just won’t be into it.
That is totally fine too! Maybe just coloring a blank page is enough for that day. It’s fun only if everyone is happy.
Related Reading: How to Encourage Independent Play in Children
Focusing on Gratitude
While the glue dries, talk about thanks. Ask them what they love about their life. It might be toys, or it might be grandma.
It is a sweet way to connect. You can make a “Thankful Tree”. Cut a trunk shape from a paper bag.
Cut leaves from colored paper. Write one thing they are thankful for on each leaf. Ask them why they’re thankful for that item.
Tape the leaves onto the trunk branches. Watch the tree grow leading up to the holiday. It is a visual reminder of all the good things.
It teaches them to look for the positive. This activity works for the whole family. Everyone can add a leaf.
It becomes a beautiful collaborative family project. It looks great on a wall or door. This is the true spirit of turkey day.
Encouraging them to love thanksgiving is about more than food. It is about appreciation. These lessons stick with them as they grow.
Enjoy with Thanksgiving Crafts for Kindergarteners
This time of year flies by so fast. We often get lost in the cooking and cleaning lists. Slowing down to make thanksgiving crafts for kindergarteners is good for everyone.
It grounds you in the moment. It brings silly laughter into a busy home. You don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to be present. Use the resources we shared to make it easy. Grab those toilet rolls and paints.
Sit down and make something with your favorite little people. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Enjoy the mess and the memories.
The turkey can wait a few more minutes. Cherish these moments while their hands are still small.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the easiest thanksgiving crafts for kindergarteners?
Simple projects like paper plate turkeys, handprint turkeys, leaf collages, and toilet paper roll turkeys are perfect because they require minimal prep and simple supplies.
What supplies do I need for kindergarten Thanksgiving crafts?
Basic items like construction paper, glue sticks, crayons, safety scissors, googly eyes, tissue paper, paper plates, and fall leaves are usually enough for most projects.
How can I keep kindergarteners engaged during Thanksgiving crafts?
Give short, simple steps, offer visual examples, and let them work at their own pace. Keeping tasks under 15 minutes helps maintain their attention.
What Thanksgiving crafts can also teach gratitude?
A Thankful Tree, thankful placemats, and gratitude leaves are great options that encourage kids to share what they appreciate.
Are Thanksgiving crafts good for fine motor skills?
Yes. Cutting, gluing, tracing handprints, stamping, and coloring all help strengthen hand muscles needed for writing and coordination.
Can Thanksgiving crafts be used in a classroom setting?
Absolutely. Most projects—like corn stamping, leaf art, and paper turkeys—are classroom-friendly, low-mess, and easy to prepare for groups.
What nature crafts work well for Thanksgiving?
Leaf turkeys, pinecone turkeys, painted rocks, and leaf collages allow kids to explore outdoors while creating seasonal art.
How do I keep the mess under control during crafts?
Cover the table, use washable supplies, prep materials in advance, and set up bowls or containers for each item to avoid chaos.
What’s a good Thanksgiving craft for very young kindergarteners?
Handprint crafts, sticker activities, glue-and-press turkey feathers, and simple stamping crafts are easy for beginners with limited fine motor control.
